Shop Talk: The ins and outs of Berkeley businesses

Marvel and Co. reopened in April and now carries dresses and shirts from Dosa, a designer line. Photo: Seung Y. Lee

MARVEL AND COMPANY Marvel and Company, which reopened this month after a makeover, sells an array of high-end, vintage home decor items, linen, and collectible trinkets from around the world. But the main feature of the store is the clothes from Dosa, a Los Angeles-based designer line. Handmade from cotton, linen, and silk from India, the skirts, dresses, and shirts are priced between $200 and $500. Owner Marsha Guerrero said she strove to build a quaint atmosphere reminiscent of a Wes Anderson movie when she renovated an old massage parlor to create the store. The store is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or by appointment. Marvel and Company is at 1443 University Ave. (between Sacramento and Acton streets).

Spinsky Studios: coming soon to San Pablo Avenue. Photo: Seung Y. Lee

COMING SOON: SPINSKY STUDIO Several readers alerted us to a new spin studio setting up shop in the former Carter West Antiques building on San Pablo Avenue. There are still very little details available on the studio itself, but it will be hosting an “Inklings Workshop” — a “10-week creative nonfiction community writing workshop” — starting April 2, according to KRON’s website. Spinsky Studio will be at 2371 San Pablo Ave. (between Chaucer Street and Channing Way).

Sahara Import home decor store closed its Berkeley location and moved to Oakland.

RELOCATED: SAHARA IMPORT After 10 years on Ashby Avenue near Shattuck, Sahara Import closed its doors in February. Owner Mostafa Raiss El Fanni said he wanted to consolidate his home-decoration business on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. Sahara Import opened a second location in Piedmont last May to accommodate customers who struggled to find parking space in the original location, according to El Fanni. The store sells homemade artisanal ceramics, mosaic tables, and antiques imported from Morocco. In the past, El Fanni used to rent and host parties in the store’s backyard. Sahara Import is now at 3953 Piedmont Ave. (between 40th St. and MacArthur Blvd.), Oakland.

Photo: Emilie Raguso

BUILD PIZZERIA CLOSED As we reported in Bites last week, downtown Berkeley’s BUILD Pizzeria has been closed for more than two weeks. The reason has not been confirmed. Berkeleyside Nosh has been in touch with managing partner Lisa Holt, but she has yet to confirm details regarding its operations. BUILD opened in 2013 and brought a welcome buzz to this southern stretch of Shattuck in downtown, offering a “make your own pizza” service, a full bar and a stylish urban décor. In November last year, its owners, Lisa and David Shapiro, opened nightclub and live music venue Berkeley Underground in the basement of the building housing the restaurant. Berkeley Underground is still open. We will keep you posted on developments. BUILD Pizzeria is at 2286 Shattuck Ave. (at Bancroft Way), Berkeley. Connect with the restaurant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses. If you’re a Berkeley business with news, or a Berkeleysider who has spotted a change in your neighborhood or on your travels, shoot us an email with the details. Read previous Shop Talk columns, and check out Bites for the latest East Bay restaurant news.

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